Government approves reconstruction of NHAI

New Delhi, Feb 25 (ANI): The government on Wednesday approved the reconstruction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the constitution of a search committee for the appointment of chairman for the highways regulator. “Re-structuring of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been approved by the government… empowering the NHAI to engage, where required, outside experts,” Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways KH Muiyappa said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The search committee would select a chairman for NHAI for at least three years, which is likely to be extended up to five years with relaxation in age up to 62 years. Muiyappa informed that the number of full-time members in NHAI will be increased to six from five, while the number of part-time members will be six from the present four. He added that additional posts of chief general managers would also be created, besides creation of cells with experts in the areas of finance, legal, safety, quality control and project appraisal. The NHAI is the national authority for the development, maintenance, management and operation of over 60,000 kilometres of National Higways in the country. The authority is a part of Ministry of Shipping, Road transport and Highways. (ANI)